Police investigate after man 'told schoolboy to get in car'

Paul Berentzen

Detectives have launched an investigation into reports a Blackpool schoolboy was approached by a man who told him to 'get in the car'.

The 10-year-old was walking home along Salop Avenue, Bispham, at around 4.30pm yesterday when he was allegedly approached by a man in a dark coloured Fiat.

Police were told the man asked the boy to get in the car by the youngster refused and ran off.

When the boy reached the junction with Bryning Avenue, the man shouted at him to get in the car a second time before driving off.

The man is described as white, of medium build, aged in his 30s and with short brown hair.

Officers have carried out door-to-door inquiries in the area and are now appealing to members of the public for help.

Det Insp Gareth Willis, of Blackpool CID, said: “Although the boy was unharmed this is obviously a concerning incident and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anyone acting suspiciously.

“The boy did the right thing by running home and reporting the incident to his mother and it serves as a reminder to other young people to remain vigilant at all times and not to talk to anyone they don’t know.

"If you are approached by someone then please report it to someone you know and trust straight away. We would urge anyone to report any suspicious activity to us so that we can investigate it thoroughly.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 982 of December 1.